Youth Leader Lifestyle: Leading by Example

"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." — 1 Timothy 4:12

Being a youth leader is about more than just showing up; it’s about being a "living letter" to our students. Because we are role models, our private lives should reflect the public message we preach. In addition to aligning with Branches’ Belief Statement and Leader Guidelines (www.brancheshumboldt.org/leaders), here is a more detailed description of our expectations:

LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE 

• I have surrendered my life to Jesus and actively pursue His will for my life. 

• I attend Branches Humboldt on Sundays and engage with the church body. 

• I take responsibility for my own spiritual growth.  

• I am a student of God’s Word, reading the Bible regularly. 

• I embrace the posture of a life-long learner and am open to correction and challenge. 

• I choose to love others because, despite my imperfections, I am loved by God. 

• I choose not to avoid conflict, but walk confidently and lovingly through it. 

• I honor God with my conduct in all my relationships by: Choosing to embrace and celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity. Choosing to uphold God’s design for marriage and sexuality. Choosing to abstain from slander or gossip. 

SERVE GOD, SERVE PEOPLE 

• I am committed to being a positive influence within the team and to students. 

• I give a portion of my time, talents, and money to love and serve my church and community. 

• I honor and respect those in authority or leadership positions above me. 

• I live privately and publicly in a manner that is consistent with my commitment to Jesus and the relationship I have with Him.

Integrity in Sexuality

We honor God’s design for intimacy. This means maintaining healthy, Godly boundaries in all relationships.

• The Standard: Practice purity in thought and action, abstaining from pornography, abstaining from same-sex romantic relationships, and reserving sex for the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman.

• The Goal: To show students that God’s boundaries are for our protection and flourishing.

Substance & Sobriety

Our influence is more important than our "rights." To ensure we never become a stumbling block, we practice total sobriety in the context of ministry.

• Alcohol: Practice moderation and avoid being under the influence or posting photos of alcohol consumption. We choose to abstain entirely during any youth-related events.

• Drugs: We maintain a strictly drug-free lifestyle (including illegal substances and the misuse of prescription meds).

• The Goal: To provide a safe, clear-headed environment for every student.

Social Media Presence

Your digital footprint is your loudest testimony. If a student sees it, it’s part of your ministry.

• Content: Avoid venting, controversial arguing, or "gray-area" photos (immodesty, partying, etc.).

• Interactions: Keep all digital communication with students public and transparent. No "hidden" or private DMs; always include another leader or parent when texting a student.

• The Goal: To use our platforms to point people toward Christ, not ourselves.